Methods and devices relating to molded adult devices

ABSTRACT

Adult devices for sexual and therapeutic purposes are typically developed and marketed into a limited number of developed countries with high disposable incomes. However, these represent a fraction of the total potential adult population and accordingly it would be beneficial in all of these markets to offer low cost, ideally very low cost, but effective devices. Solutions meeting this very low cost manufacturing requirement as well as offering new concepts such as limited use or disposable devices are presented exploiting blow molding techniques. Further, many potential markets present issues not prevalent in historical markets that may make it difficult for individuals to acquire devices, even without the financial issues, and hence solutions are presented wherein adult devices can be acquired and/or marketed in manners that address or mitigate these issues.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This patent application claims the benefit of priority as a continuationof U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/796,077 filed Jul. 10, 2015entitled “Methods and Devices Relating to Molded Adult Devices” andtherein to U.S. Provisional Patent Application 62/022,713 filed on Jul.10, 2014 entitled “Methods and Devices Relating to Molded AdultDevices,” the entire contents of which are included herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to devices for sexual pleasure and moreparticularly to low cost and/or disposable devices exploiting blowmolding, injection molding, or a combination thereof in conjunction withactive and/or elements providing functions such as vibration, rigidity,movement, sensing, user sensations, communications, control and power.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The sexual revolution, also known as a time of “sexual liberation”, wasa social movement that challenged traditional codes of behavior relatedto sexuality and interpersonal relationships throughout the Westernworld from the 1890s to the 1980s. However, its roots may be traced backfurther to the Enlightenment and the Victorian era in the Western worldand even further in the Eastern world. Sexual liberation includedincreased acceptance of sex outside of traditional heterosexual,monogamous relationships (primarily marriage) as well as contraceptionand the pill, public nudity, the normalization of homosexuality andalternative forms of sexuality, and the legalization of abortion.

At the same time the growing acceptance of sexuality and masturbationresulted in the growth of a market for sexual devices, also known as sextoys, and then with technology evolution the concepts of “cyber-sex,”“phone sex” and “webcam sex.” A sex toy is an object or device that isprimarily used to facilitate human sexual pleasure and typically isdesigned to resemble human genitals and may be vibrating ornon-vibrating. Prior to this shift there had been a plethora of devicessold for sexual pleasure, although primarily under euphemistic names anda pretense of providing “massage” although their history extends backthrough ancient Greece to the Upper Paleolithic period before 30,000BC.Modern devices fall broadly into two classes: mechanized andnon-mechanized, and in fact the American company Hamilton Beach in 1902patented the first electric vibrator available for retail sale, makingthe vibrator the fifth domestic appliance to be electrified. Mechanizeddevices typically vibrate, although there are examples that rotate,thrust, and even circulate small beads within an elastomeric shell.Non-mechanized devices are made from a solid mass of rigid or semi-rigidmaterial in a variety of shapes.

Examples of such non-mechanized devices which require their motion to beinduced either by the individual user themselves or a partner within theprior art include U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,853,362; 5,690,603; 5,853,362;6,436,029; 6,599,236; 6,533,718; 6,997,888; 7,513,868; 7,530,944 as wellas U.S. Patent Applications 2003/0,023,139; 2005/0,228,218;2007/0,106,109; 2010/0,087,703; 2010/0,204,542; 2011/0,021,870;2012/0,123,199; 2012/0,136,205 and 2012/0,143,001. Other associatedprior art relates to how such devices may be “worn” by a partner eitherwith or without the need of straps or belts or used by an individualincluding U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,725,473; 6,203,491; and 6,991,599 as well asU.S. Patent Applications 2010/0,087,703; 2011/0,082,333; and2012/0,118,296.

Not surprisingly many early mechanized devices within the prior art wereprimarily intended to automate the motion of penetrative intercourse.Such prior art includes for example U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,722,327; 4,790,296;5,076,261; 5,690,604; 5,851,175; 6,142,929; 6,866,645; 6,899,671;6,902,525; 7,524,283 and U.S. Patent Application 2004/0,147,858. Incontrast to these mechanized devices producing repeated penetrativeaction, vibrators are used to excite the nerve endings in the pelvicregion, amongst others, of the user such as those same regions of thevagina that respond to touch. For many users the level of stimulationthat a vibrator provides is inimitable. They can be used formasturbation or as part of sexual activities with a partner. Vibratorsmay be used upon the clitoris, inside the vagina, inserted into therectum, and against nipples either discretely or in some instances incombination through multiple vibratory elements within the same vibratoror through using multiple vibrators.

Vibrators typically operate through the operation of an electric motorwherein a small weight attached off-axis to the motor results invibration of the motor and hence the body of the portion of the vibratorcoupled to the electric motor. They may be powered from connection to anelectrical mains socket but typically such vibrators are battery drivenwhich places emphasis on efficiency to derive not only an effectivevibration but one over an extended period of time without the userfeeling that the vibrator consumes batteries at a high rate. Forexample, typical vibrators employ 2 or 4 AA batteries, which if ofalkaline construction, each have a nominal voltage of 1.5V and acapacity of 1800 mAh to 2600 mAh under 500 mA drain. As such, eachbattery under such a nominal drain can provide 0.75 W of power for 3 to5 hours such that a vibrator with 2 AA batteries providing such lifetimeof use must consume only 1.5 W in contrast to less than 3 W for one with4 AA batteries. More batteries consume more space within devices whichare generally within a relatively narrow range of physical sizesapproximating that of the average penis in penetrative length and havean external portion easily gripped by the user thereby complicating thedesign. Typically, toys that are large due to power requirements are notas successful as more compact toys.

Example of such vibrators within the prior art include U.S. Pat. Nos.5,573,499; 6,902,525; 7,108,668; 7,166,072; 7,438,681; 7,452,326;7,604,587; 7,871,386; 7,967,740 and U.S. Patent Applications2002/0,103,415; 2003/0,195,441 (Wireless); 2004/0,082,831;2005/0,033,112; 2006/0,074,273; 2006/0,106,327; 2006/0,247,493;2007/0,055,096; 2007/0,232,967; 2007/0,244,418; 2008/0,071,138;2008/0,082,028; 2008/0,119,767; 2008/0,139,980; 2009/0,093,673;2008/0,228,114; 2009/0,099,413; 2009/0,105,528; 2009/0,318,753;2009/0,318,755; 2010/0,292,531; 2011/0,009,693; 2011/0,034,837;2011/0,082,332; 2011/0,105,837; 2011/0,166,415; 2011/0,218,395;2011/0,319,707; 2012/0,179,077; 2012/0,184,884; and 2012/0,197,072.

Within these prior art embodiments of vibrators different approacheshave been described to provide different stimulation mechanisms otherthan simple vibration. Some of these, such as rotating rows or arrays ofballs, typically metal, have been commercially successful. However,others have not been commercially successful to date including, forexample, the use of linear screw drive mechanisms to provide devicesthat adjust in length. Another common approach has been to include arotary motor with a profiled metal rod to either impact the device'souter body or provide rotary motion of the device head.

The prior art devices described above exploit mechanical actions arisingfrom linear and/or rotary motors in order to achieve the desiredphysical stimulation. However, motion and pressure may be achieved alsothrough the use of fluidics wherein a fluid is employed such thatcontrolling the pressure of the fluid results in the movement of anelement within a structure or the expansion/contraction of an element.Some sex toys exploiting fluidics have provisioned for lubricating oilsor gels during use of the device to reduce friction and subsequentpain/irritation either through extended use of the device or from lownatural lubrication of the user upon whom the device is used.

It would be evident from consideration of the prior art devicesdescribed above that these devices are primarily driven to stimulationof the female clitoris, vagina and rectum as well as the male rectum.Whilst vibrators such as described supra may be used for stimulating themale penis, and in some instances such as the “Cobra Libre” vibratordesigned specifically for attachment to the penis there has beenrelatively little prior art and development towards stimulating the malepenis through simulation of intercourse above and beyond manual devices.One exception being Gellert in U.S. Pat. No. 5,501,650 that provides avariable speed motor powering a crankshaft driven sealed assemblyproducing pneumatically induced reciprocating motion against the peniswhen inserted.

Accordingly, today, a wide range of vibrators are offered commerciallyto users but most of them fall into several broad categories including:

Clitoral: The clitoral vibrator is a sex toy used to provide sexualpleasure and to enhance orgasm by stimulating the clitoris. Althoughmost of the vibrators available can be used as clitoral vibrators, thosedesigned specifically as clitoral vibrators typically have specialdesigns that do not resemble a vibrator and are generally not phallicshaped. For example, the most common type of clitoral vibrators aresmall, egg-shaped devices attached to a multi-speed battery pack by acord. Common variations on the basic design include narrower,bullet-shaped vibrators and those resembling an animal. In otherinstances, the clitoral vibrator forms part of a vibrator with a secondportion to be inserted into the vagina wherein they often have a smallanimal, such as a rabbit, bear, or dolphin perched near the base of thepenetrative vibrator and facing forward to provide clitoral stimulationat the same time with vaginal stimulation. Prior art for clitoralstimulators includes U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,670,280 and 8,109,869 as well asU.S. Patent Application 2011/0,124,959.

In some instances, such as the We-Vibe™, the clitoral vibrator formspart of a vibrator wherein another section is designed to contact the“G-spot.” Prior art for such combined vibrators includes U.S. Pat. No.7,931,605, U.S. Design Pat. No. 605,779 and 652,942, and U.S. PatentApplication 2011/0,124,959.

Dildo-Shaped: Typically, these devices are approximately penis-shapedand can be made of plastic, silicone, rubber, vinyl, or latex. Dildo isthe common name used to define a phallus-like sex toy, which does not,however, provide any type of vibrations. But as vibrators have commonlythe shape of a penis, there are many models and designs of vibratingdildos available including those designed for both individual usage,with a partner, for vaginal and anal penetration as well as for oralpenetration, and some may be double-ended.

Rabbit: As described above these comprise two vibrators of differentsizes. One, a phallus-like shaped vibrator intended to be inserted inthe user's vagina, and a second smaller clitoral stimulator placed toengage the clitoris when the first is inserted. The rabbit vibrator wasnamed after the shape of the clitoral stimulator, which resembles a pairof rabbit ears.

G-Spot: These devices are generally curved, often with a soft jelly-likecoating intended to make it easier using it to stimulate the g-spot orprostate. These vibrators are typically more curved towards the tip andmade of materials such as silicone or acrylic.

Egg: Generally small smooth vibrators designed to be used forstimulation of the clitoris or insertion. They are considered discreetsex toys as they do not measure more than 3 inches in length andapproximately ¾ inches to 1¼ inches in width allowing them to be useddiscretely, essentially at any time.

Anal: Vibrators designed for anal use typically have either a flaredbase or a long handle to grip, to prevent them from slipping inside andbecoming lodged in the rectum. Anal vibrators come in different shapes,but they are commonly called butt plugs or phallus-like vibrators. Theyare recommended to be used with a significant amount of lubricant and tobe inserted gently and carefully to prevent any potential damage to therectal lining.

Vibrating Cock Ring: Typically, a vibrator inserted in or attached to acock ring primarily intended to enhance clitoral stimulation duringsexual intercourse.

Pocket Rocket (also known as Bullet): Generally cylindrical in shape oneof its ends has some vibrating bulges and is primarily intended tostimulate the clitoris or nipples, and not for insertion. Typically, a“pocket rocket” is a mini-vibrator that is typically about three to fiveinches long and which resembles a small, travel-sized flashlightproviding for a discreet sex toy that can be carried around in a purse,pouch, etc. of the user. Due to its small dimension, it is typicallypowered by a single battery and usually has limited controls; some mayhave only one speed.

Butterfly: Generally describing a vibrator with straps for the legs andwaist allowing for hands-free clitoral stimulation during sexualintercourse. Typically, these are offered in three variations,traditional, remote control, and with anal and/or vaginal stimulators,and are generally made of flexible materials such as silicone, softplastic, latex, or jelly.

In addition to the above general categories there are variantsincluding, but not limited to:

-   -   Dual vibrators which are designed to stimulate two erogenous        zones simultaneously or independently, the most common being        both clitoral and vaginal stimulators within the same vibrator;    -   Triple vibrators which are designed to stimulate three erogenous        zones simultaneously or independently;    -   Multispeed vibrators which allow users to adjust how fast the        vibrator's pulsing or massaging movements occur and generally        provide a series of discrete speed settings selectable through a        button, slider etc. or pseudo-continuously variable through a        rotary control;    -   Double ended devices for use by two users together, usually        doubled ended dildo or double ended vibrator, for        vaginal-vaginal, vaginal-anal, or anal-anal stimulation;    -   Nipple stimulators which are designed to stimulate the nipples        and/or areola through vibration, suction, and clamping;    -   Electrostimulators which are designed to apply electrical        stimulation to the nerves of the body, with particular emphasis        on the genitals;    -   “Flapping” stimulators which have multiple flexible projections        upon a “Ferris-wheel” assembly to simulate oral stimulation; and    -   Male stimulators which are typically soft silicone sleeves to        surround the penis and stimulate it through rhythmic movement by        the user.

Naturally, there are other common forms including, but not limited to,so-called “alarm clock vibrators” wherein a vibrator is combined with aclock or a timer and worn in or against the genitals such that the useris woken with a gentle vibration and then with increasing power.“Undercover” vibrators are discreetly shaped as everyday objects, suchas lipstick tubes, cell phones, or art pieces and typically only onespeed and are powered by a single battery. By virtue of being an exactcopy of the shape and design of the object they are intended to bemistaken for as they are very discreet for users.

The prior art devices described above are primarily sold/marketed asfully assembled and functional products to consumers at a range ofprices from tens of dollars to hundreds of dollars with the intentionthat the user owns and uses the product over an extended period of timehaving invested financially into the product. However, such products areessentially caught with a self-fulfilling design and product cycle. Thedevices are either designed to be passive, such as dildos, plugs, etc.wherein the design/marketing focus is to increased length, girth, etc.and simulating realistic human skin textures/colours etc., or be active,such as vibrators, wherein the design/marketing focus also includesincreased functions, range of controls, etc. Accordingly, the currentmarket/design focus is based upon the premise that most consumerspurchasing such adult devices will do so rarely and accordingly it isimportant to essentially exploit an “up-selling” approach of getting theconsumer to purchase a product at a price point in excess of that theyinitially intended to purchase at. Accordingly, devices today aremanufactured from a range of materials including, but not limited to,hard plastics for internal battery housings, outer shell, etc. andsilicones for external surfaces or the body of the adult device.

However, there are many instances that a consumer may wish to purchase alower cost adult device either as a result of circumstances or personalpreferences. In other instances, the consumer may wish to have adisposable adult device or an adult device that does not look like anadult device. Even today, despite the financial value of the adultdevice market, the volumes of these adult devices are relatively low andhave typically been marketed into markets such as Europe, North America,Japan, Australia etc. where disposable incomes support purchasing adultdevices at the pricing points in existence today. However, these marketsrepresent approximately 1.5 billion people out of a global population ofover 7 billion and even here a large portion of the population cannotafford these devices. Accordingly, it would be beneficial in all ofthese markets to offer low cost, ideally very low cost, but effectivedevices.

Further, in many regions of the world potential markets are notaccessible today due to a range of issues including cultural barriers,making it difficult for individuals to acquire devices, as well asfinancially where even current entry level devices can cost individualsmany weeks and/or months disposable income in these markets.Accordingly, it would beneficial in these markets that not only aredevices offered at low cost, ideally very low cost, whilst beingeffective that they can be acquired and/or marketed in manners thataddress cultural issues etc.

Accordingly, it would be beneficial to exploit manufacturing techniques,such as blow molding techniques, to allow a range of adult devices to bemanufactured at costs that support the above competing requirements andoffer manufacturing volumes addressing volumes unknown previously withinthe adult device industry.

Other aspects and features of the present invention will become apparentto those ordinarily skilled in the art upon review of the followingdescription of specific embodiments of the invention in conjunction withthe accompanying figures.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to mitigate limitations withinthe prior art relating to devices for sexual pleasure and moreparticularly to low cost and/or disposable devices exploiting blowmolding, injection molding, or a combination thereof in conjunction withactive and/or elements providing functions such as vibration, rigidity,movement, sensing, user sensations, communications, control and power.

In accordance with an embodiment of the invention there is provided adevice comprising a blow molded outer body enclosing a predeterminedregion with an opening wherein the opening allows the predeterminedregion to be filled with a fluid and sealed.

In accordance with an embodiment of the invention there is provided asex toy comprising a blow molded outer body enclosing a predeterminedregion with an opening wherein the opening allows the predeterminedregion to be filled at least one of filled with a fluid and sealed, leftempty and sealed, and left empty and not sealed.

In accordance with an embodiment of the invention there is provided adevice comprising a blow molded outer body enclosing a predeterminedregion with an opening wherein the opening allows the insertion of astimulation module at least one of prior to and after a user obtains theblow molded outer body.

In accordance with an embodiment of the invention there is provided asex toy comprising an outer body and a plurality of active elements forinsertion into the outer body wherein each active element providing apredetermined function selected from the group comprising a physicaleffect, a stimulation, a controller, a power source, and communicationsinterface and the user may select varying combinations of the pluralityof active elements with each use of the sex toy.

In accordance with an embodiment of the invention there is provided adevice comprising a blow molded outer body enclosing a predeterminedregion with a threaded opening wherein the threaded opening allows thepredetermined region to be filled with a fluid and sealed, wherein thethreaded opening is dimensioned to allow the insertion of a vibratorelement and a cap for sealing the device comprising a portion extendinginto the device to hold the vibrator element at the distal end from thethreaded opening.

In accordance with an embodiment of the invention there is provided adevice comprising a blow molded outer body enclosing a predeterminedregion with an opening of predetermined geometry, wherein the openingallows the predetermined region to be filled with a fluid and sealed andis dimensioned to allow the insertion of an active element providing aphysical effect and the attachment of a sealing element for sealing thedevice which comprises a portion extending into the device to hold theactive element.

In accordance with an embodiment of the invention there is provided adevice comprising a blow molded outer body enclosing a predeterminedregion with a threaded opening wherein the threaded opening allows thepredetermined region to be filled with a fluid and sealed such that thedevice can be used to penetrate an orifice of a user, wherein thethreaded opening is dimensioned to allow the insertion of a vibratorelement having a threaded portion for sealing the device once thevibrator element is inserted into the threaded opening.

In accordance with an embodiment of the invention there is provided adevice comprising a blow molded outer body enclosing a predeterminedregion with an opening of predetermined geometry wherein the openingallows the predetermined region to be filled with a fluid and sealedsuch that the device can be used to stimulate a region of a human body,wherein the opening is dimensioned to allow the insertion of an activeelement having a portion for sealing the device once the active elementis inserted into the opening.

In accordance with an embodiment of the invention there is provided adevice comprising a blow molded outer body enclosing a predeterminedregion with an opening wherein the opening allows the predeterminedregion to be filled with a foam and sealed, wherein the opening isdimensioned to allow the insertion of a vibrator element at least one ofprior to and after filling the device with foam.

In accordance with an embodiment of the invention there is provided adevice comprising a blow molded outer body enclosing a predeterminedregion with an opening wherein the opening allows a first predeterminedregion to be filled with a foam and a second predetermined region to beunfilled with the foam and the opening is dimensioned to allow theinsertion of a vibrator element and for sealing the device once thevibrator element is inserted into the opening and the secondpredetermined region is dimensioned to fit the vibrator element.

In accordance with an embodiment of the invention there is provided adevice comprising a blow molded outer body enclosing a predeterminedregion with an opening wherein the opening allows the predeterminedregion to be filled with a fluid and sealed such that the device can beused to penetrate an orifice of a user, wherein the device is initiallysold with at least one of a snap-fit cap and a threaded cap sealing thedevice.

In accordance with an embodiment of the invention there is provided adevice comprising a first predetermined portion to provide a vibratoryfunction and a second predetermined portion comprising at least athreaded region mating to a predetermined thread.

In accordance with an embodiment of the invention there is provided amethod comprising providing a device comprising at least a blow moldedouter body filled with a filler enclosing a first predetermined regionand a threaded opening wherein the threaded opening allows the insertionof a vibrator element having a threaded portion for mounting thevibrator element to the blow molded outer body, wherein the vibratorelement is inserted into the blow molded outer body, and offering thedevice through a standard commercial channel as a product not associatedwith sex products.

In accordance with an embodiment of the invention there is provided amethod of providing a user with a device for use as a sex toy by sellingto the user an initial product employing a blow molded plastic bottlecontaining at least one of a food, a beverage, a cleaning product, and abeauty product.

In accordance with an embodiment of the invention there is provided adevice for use as a sex toy by selling to the user an initial productemploying a blow molded plastic bottle containing at least one of afood, a beverage, a cleaning product, and a beauty product.

In accordance with an embodiment of the invention there is provided adevice comprising a blow molded outer body enclosing a predeterminedregion filled with a predetermined material and a vibrating element, theblow molded outer body sealed by crimping either end.

Other aspects and features of the present invention will become apparentto those ordinarily skilled in the art upon review of the followingdescription of specific embodiments of the invention in conjunction withthe accompanying figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way ofexample only, with reference to the attached Figures, wherein:

FIG. 1 depicts a range of prior art passive adult devices;

FIG. 2 depicts a range of prior art active adult devices;

FIG. 3 depicts a blow molded adult device according to an embodiment ofthe invention;

FIG. 4 depicts a range of blow molded adult device geometries accordingto embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 5 depicts a typical blow molding process according to the prior artexploiting a preform;

FIG. 6 depicts a typical blow molding process according to the prior artexploiting direct blow molding from extruded tubing;

FIG. 7 depicts an adult device according to an embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 8 depicts an adult device according to an embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 9 depicts an adult device according to an embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 10 depicts an adult device according to an embodiment of theinvention;

FIGS. 11A and 11B depict adult devices according to an embodiment of theinvention;

FIGS. 12A and 12B depict adult devices according to an embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 13 depicts an adult device according to an embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 14 depicts an adult device according to an embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 15 depicts an approach to modular adult devices according to anembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 16 depicts an adult device according to an embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 17 depicts an adult device according to an embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 18A depicts an assembly configuration and assembled adult deviceaccording to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 18B to 18D depict assembly configurations and inserts forpositioning a vibrating element within an adult device according toembodiments of the invention;

FIG. 19 depicts an assembly configuration and assembled adult deviceaccording to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 20 depicts an assembly configuration and assembled adult deviceaccording to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 21 depicts an adult device according to an embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 22 depicts a base mounting for adult devices according toembodiments of the invention;

FIG. 23 depicts a blow molding methodology exploiting a non-uniformpreform according to an embodiment of the invention to provide an adultdevice comprising a shell with “strengthening” ribs; and

FIG. 24 depicts blow molded adult device geometries according toembodiments of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention is directed to devices for sexual pleasure andmore particularly to devices for sexual pleasure and more particularlyto low cost and/or disposable devices exploiting blow molding, injectionmolding, or a combination thereof in conjunction with active and/orelements providing functions such as vibration, rigidity, movement,sensing, user sensations, communications, control and power.

The ensuing description provides representative embodiment(s) only, andis not intended to limit the scope, applicability or configuration ofthe disclosure. Rather, the ensuing description of the embodiment(s)will provide those skilled in the art with an enabling description forimplementing an embodiment or embodiments of the invention. It beingunderstood that various changes can be made in the function andarrangement of elements without departing from the spirit and scope asset forth in the appended claims. Accordingly, an embodiment is anexample or implementation of the inventions and not the soleimplementation. Various appearances of “one embodiment,” “an embodiment”or “some embodiments” do not necessarily all refer to the sameembodiments. Although various features of the invention may be describedin the context of a single embodiment, the features may also be providedseparately or in any suitable combination. Conversely, although theinvention may be described herein in the context of separate embodimentsfor clarity, the invention can also be implemented in a singleembodiment or any combination of embodiments. It would also be evidentthat an embodiment may refer to a method or methods of manufacturing adevice for sexual pleasure rather than the actual design of a device forsexual pleasure and that vice-versa an embodiment of the invention mayrefer to a device or devices rather than the method or methods ofmanufacturing.

Reference in the specification to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”,“some embodiments” or “other embodiments” means that a particularfeature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with theembodiments is included in at least one embodiment, but not necessarilyall embodiments, of the inventions. The phraseology and terminologyemployed herein is not to be construed as limiting but is fordescriptive purpose only. It is to be understood that where the claimsor specification refer to “a” or “an” element, such reference is not tobe construed as there being only one of that element. It is to beunderstood that where the specification states that a component feature,structure, method, or characteristic “may”, “might”, “can” or “could” beincluded, that particular component, feature, structure, orcharacteristic is not required to be included. It would also be evidentthat an embodiment and/or the phraseology and/or terminology may referto a method or methods of manufacturing a device for sexual pleasurerather than the actual design of a device for sexual pleasure and thatvice-versa an embodiment and/or the phraseology and/or terminology mayrefer to a device or devices rather than the method or methods ofmanufacturing.

Reference to terms such as “left”, “right”, “top”, “bottom”, “front” and“back” are intended for use in respect to the orientation of theparticular feature, structure, or element within the figures depictingembodiments of the invention. It would be evident that such directionalterminology with respect to the actual use of a device has no specificmeaning as the device can be employed in a multiplicity of orientationsby the user or users.

Reference to terms “including”, “comprising”, “consisting” andgrammatical variants thereof do not preclude the addition of one or morecomponents, features, steps, integers or groups thereof and that theterms are not to be construed as specifying components, features, stepsor integers. Likewise, the phrase “consisting essentially of”, andgrammatical variants thereof, when used herein is not to be construed asexcluding additional components, steps, features integers or groupsthereof but rather that the additional features, integers, steps,methods, components or groups thereof do not materially alter the basicand novel characteristics of the claimed composition, device or method.If the specification or claims refer to “an additional” element, thatdoes not preclude there being more than one of the additional element ormethod.

A “personal electronic device” (PED) as used herein and throughout thisdisclosure, refers to a wireless device used for communications and/orinformation transfer that requires a battery or other independent formof energy for power. This includes devices such as, but not limited to,a cellular telephone, smartphone, personal digital assistant (PDA),portable computer, pager, portable multimedia player, remote control,portable gaming console, laptop computer, tablet computer, and anelectronic reader.

A “fixed electronic device” (FED) as used herein and throughout thisdisclosure, refers to a device that requires interfacing to a wired formof energy for power. However, the device can access one or more networksusing wired and/or wireless interfaces. This includes, but is notlimited to, a television, computer, laptop computer, gaming console,kiosk, terminal, and interactive display.

A “server” as used herein, and throughout this disclosure, refers to aphysical computer running one or more services as a host to users ofother computers, PEDs, FEDs, etc. to serve the client needs of theseother users. This includes, but is not limited to, a database server,file server, mail server, print server, web server, gaming server, orvirtual environment server.

A “user” as used herein, and throughout this disclosure, refers to anindividual engaging a device according to embodiments of the inventionwherein the engagement is a result of their personal use of the deviceor having another individual using the device upon them.

A “vibrator” as used herein, and throughout this disclosure, refers toan electronic sexual pleasure device intended for use by an individualor user themselves or in conjunction with activities with anotherindividual or user wherein the vibrator provides a vibratory mechanicalfunction for stimulating nerves or triggering physical sensations.

A “dildo” as used herein, and throughout this disclosure, refers to asexual pleasure device intended for use by an individual or userthemselves or in conjunction with activities with another individual oruser wherein the dildo provides non-vibratory mechanical function forstimulating nerves or triggering physical sensations.

An “adult device”, sex toy” or “sexual pleasure device” as used herein,and throughout this disclosure, refers to a sexual pleasure deviceintended for use by an individual or user themselves or in conjunctionwith activities with another individual or user which can provide one ormore functions including, but not limited to, those of a dildo and avibrator. The sexual pleasure device/toy can be designed to have thesefunctions in combination with design features that are intended to bepenetrative or non-penetrative and provide vibratory and non-vibratorymechanical functions. Such sexual pleasure devices can be designed foruse with one or more regions of the male and female bodies including butnot limited to, the clitoris, the clitoral area (which is the areasurrounding and including the clitoris), vagina, rectum, nipples,breasts, penis, testicles, prostate, and “G-spot.” In one example a“male sexual pleasure device” is a sexual pleasure device configured toreceive a user's penis within a cavity or recess. In another example, a“female sexual pleasure device” is a sexual pleasure device having atleast a portion configured to be inserted in a user's vagina or rectum.It should be understood that the user of a female sexual pleasure devicecan be a male or a female when it is used for insertion in a user'srectum.

Texture as used herein, and throughout this disclosure, refers to a feelof a surface of a device and is generally described and/or defined interms of smoothness, roughness, hardness, softness, waviness, and form.Such texturing may adjust the feeling of the device in respect ofcontact to a user and may control and/or adjust friction between thedevice and human skin/tissue. Surface texture may be isotropic oranisotropic. Textures may be, but not limited to, smooth, rough, ridged,dumped, grainy, and may refer to the visual and/or tactile qualities ofthe surface.

A “nubby” or “nubbies” as used herein, and throughout this disclosure,refers to a projection or projections upon the surface of a sexualpleasure device intended to provide additional physical interaction. Anubby can be permanently part of the sexual pleasure device or it can bereplaceable or interchangeable to provide additional variation to thesexual pleasure device.

An “accessory” or “accessories” as used herein, and throughout thisdisclosure, refers to one or more objects that can be affixed to orotherwise appended to the body of a sexual pleasure device in order toenhance and/or adjust the sensation(s) provided. Such accessories can bepassive, such as nubbies or a dildo, or active, such as a vibrator.

A “balloon” as used herein, and throughout this disclosure, refers to anelement intended to adjust its physical geometry upon the injection of afluid within it. Such balloons can be formed from a variety of elasticand non-elastic materials and be of varying non-inflated and inflatedprofiles, including for example spherical, elongated, wide, thin, etc. Aballoon may also be used to transmit pressure or pressure fluctuationsto the sexual pleasure device surface and user where there is aninappreciable, or very low, change in the volume of the balloon.

FIGS. 1 and 2 depict a range of prior art passive and active adultdevices respectively showing the typical shapes etc. that make each ofthese immediately evident as an adult device.

FIG. 3 depicts a blow molding concept for adult devices according to anembodiment of the invention in first to fifth images 310 to 360respectively applied to a bottle shaped adult device depicting:

-   -   First image 310—perspective view of blow molded adult device        with and without lid attached;    -   Second image 320—perspective view of top of blow molded adult        device with and without lid attached    -   Third image 330—perspective view of closed end of blow molded        adult device;    -   Fourth image 340—perspective view of open end with sealing cap        of blow molded adult device;    -   Fifth image 350—perspective view of sealable end of blow molded        adult device with fluid disposed within prior to sealing;    -   Sixth image 360—perspective view of sealable end of blow molded        adult device with fluid disposed within and sealing cap        proximate opening prior to sealing.

As discussed within this specification embodiments of the inventionprovide low cost disposable adult devices as well as providing adultdevices in manners crossing barriers relating to culture, etc. In thismanner, an adult device appearing to be a common consumable object suchas bottle may be beneficial when compared to prior art solutions such as“lip stick” vibrators which tend to be very small. In contrast an adultdevice masquerading as a bottle can be larger, cheaper, disposable, etc.

FIG. 4 depicts a range of blow molded adult device geometries accordingto embodiments of the invention including double egg 410, hooked 420,ribbed 430, tapering 440, and asymmetric 450. Also depicted are firstand second abrupt tapering geometries 460 and 470 which each containvibrator inserts 465 and 475 respectively. Also depicted is sealing cap480 which is also depicted in cross-section 485. It would be evidentthat the sealing cap and sealable opening to the adult device may beformed using designs which have been standardized within the plasticsindustry for non-adult device devices in order to reduce the designrequirements and support designs that have manufacturing volumes atlevels supporting the target markets and user characteristics for theadult devices according to embodiments of the invention. Accordingly, itwould be evident that the blow molded adult device may be manufacturedwith a range of dimensions from those with capacities of tens ofmilliliters and physical dimensions of the order 75-125 mm (3-5 inches)long and 25-35 mm (1-1.5 inch diameter) to those holding hundreds ofmilliliters and dimensions of 125-250 mm (5-10 inches) long and 35-75 mm(1.5-3 inch diameter) to those with capacities of 1-2 liters and above.For example, a 1 liter bottle may be ˜240 mm long by 88 mm diameter(˜9.5×3.5 inches) and a 2 liter bottle ˜300 mm long by ˜110 mm diameter(˜12×4.3 inches). However, bottles may be tapered, gourd shaped, doublebulbed, square, elliptical, and polygonal in cross-section as well.

For example, a container's neck finish holds the cap, stopper, orclosure with protruding threads and the container, and its correspondingcap must have matching finishes. For example, a 24/400 bottle will onlyaccept a 24/400 closure. Typically, screw thread or continuous threadclosure sizes are expressed with two numbers separated by a hyphen orslash. The first number refers to the millimeter diameter measuredacross the outside of the bottle's threads. The second number refers tothe thread style, “GPI” or “SPI” finish. The Glass Packaging Institute(GPI) and Society of the Plastics Industry (SPI) have establisheduniform standards for glass and plastic container neck finishes. CommonGPI/SPI neck finishes include:

-   -   400—1 thread turn    -   410—1.5 thread turns    -   415—2 thread turns    -   420—2 thread turns, tall    -   425—2 thread turns with narrow threads    -   430—buttress finish with thick threads and top bead;    -   2030—1 ug finish with non-continuous threads; and    -   2035—1 ug finish with non-continuous threads, tall.

Other dimensions include:

-   -   T Dimension: The outside diameter of the thread. The tolerance        range of the “T” dimension will determine the mate between        bottle and closure.    -   I Dimension: The inner diameter of the bottle neck.        Specifications require a minimum “I” to allow sufficient        clearance for filling tubes. Linerless closures, with a plug or        land seal, and dispensing plugs and fitments require a        controlled “I” dimension for a proper fit.    -   S Dimension: Measured from the top of the finish to the top edge        of the first thread. The “S” dimension defines the height of the        thread start and accordingly determines the amount of thread        engagement between the bottle and cap.    -   E Dimension: The outside diameter of the neck. The difference        between the “E” and “T” dimensions divided by two determines the        thread depth.    -   H Dimension: The height of the neck finish. Measured from the        top of the neck to the point where the diameter “T”, extended        down, intersects the shoulder.

Accordingly, “T” dimensions may, for example, include 13 mm, 15 mm, 18mm, 20 mm, 22 mm, 24 mm and dimensions downwards and upwards from these.

Caps or screw caps may be lined, unlined, ribbed, smooth, domed, smoothball caps, push-down and pull-up child resistant caps, tamper evidentcaps, and with foam induction liners. Alternatively, adult devices mayexploit other closures including, but not limited to, sports“pop-up/push-down” tops, flip-top caps, and hinged caps.

Today, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is one of the most commonly usedplastics within consumer products such as adult devices. PET adultdevices are made with two different processes, a single-stage process,injection stretch blow molding (ISBM) and a dual-stage process,injection molding (IM) and reheat stretch blow molding ( ). Within thesingle-stage process the preforms and adult devices are both made withinthe same machine. These machines feature 3 or 4 stations comprisinginjection, optional conditioning, blow, and ejection. Dried PET resin ismelted in an extruder and injected into vertically arranged cavities.The finished preform is held by the neck inserts whilst it is removedfrom the injection core and cavity. The machine rotates 90 degrees onmachines with conditioning and 120 degrees on machines without. Preformsare then conditioned (optional step), blown and finally stripped off theneck inserts. Because of this procedure there is no parting or witnessline in the body of the preform, only in the necks. Such an over-moldingfeature for preforms may employ a single common material or differentmaterials in different preform sections.

In the two-stage process preforms are injection molded and subsequentlyre-heated as described below in respect of FIG. 5 for a typical blowmolding process according to the prior art exploiting a preform.Accordingly, FIG. 5 depicts what is known as a two-stage stretch blow(SBM) molding process. In the SBM process, the plastic is first moldedinto a “preform” using an injection molding process such as describedbelow in respect of FIG. 6. These preforms are produced with the necksof the adult devices, including threads (the “finish”) on one end. Thesepreforms are packaged, and fed later (after cooling) into a reheatstretch blow molding machine. In the SBM process, the preforms areheated (typically using infrared heaters) above their glass transitiontemperature, then blown using high pressure air into adult devices usingmetal blow molds. This is depicted in first to sixth blow images 510 to560 respectively whilst preform image 570 depicts clear preforms withtheir screw caps. The preform is always stretched with a stretch rod aspart of the process. The advantages of this process are that very highvolumes can be produced, there are little restrictions on adult devicedesign, and the preforms may be sold/purchases as a completed item froma third party to blow subsequently into any desired adult device shape.Amongst the disadvantages are generally a high capital cost, high floorspace requirements and it suits round adult devices better than oblongones.

FIG. 6 depicts an extrusion blow molding (EBM) process according to theprior art exploiting direct blow molding from extruded tubing. Asdepicted plastic is melted and extruded into a hollow tube (a parison).This parison is then captured by closing it into a cooled metal mold.Air is then blown into the parison, inflating it into the shape of theadult device body, container, or part. Air can be transferred with blowpins or blow needles depending on the application. After the plastic hascooled sufficiently, the mold is opened, and the part is ejected.Continuous and Intermittent are two variations of Extrusion BlowMolding. In Continuous EBM the parison is extruded continuously and theindividual parts are cut off by a suitable knife. In Intermittent EBMthere are two processes: straight intermittent is similar to injectionmolding whereby the screw turns, then stops and pushes the melt out.This process is known as the reciprocating screw process. With theaccumulator method, an accumulator gathers melted plastic and when theprevious part has cooled and enough plastic has accumulated, a rodpushes the melted plastic and forms the parison. In this case the screwmay turn continuously or intermittently. With continuous extrusion theweight of the parison drags the parison and makes calibrating the wallthickness difficult. The accumulator head or reciprocating screw methodsuse hydraulic systems to push the parison out quickly reducing theeffect of the weight and allowing precise control over the wallthickness by adjusting the die gap with a parison programming device.

Advantages of EBM include low tool and die cost, fast production rates,the ability to mold complex parts; and handles may be incorporated intothe design. Amongst the disadvantages are that it's limited to hollowparts and low resistance to gas and vapor ingress and egress. Toincrease barrier properties multilayer parisons of different materialsare typically employed and pose challenges to recycling.

It is also possible to inject two different materials, one hard and onesoft, sequentially. This is accomplished by two extruders, each with therespective material and extruding the materials at different times or atdifferent speeds into a special head from where they flow out. Thisresults in a part that has a soft section with a stiff section on eitherside where the length of the sections does not have to be equal.Materials that can be combined are HDPE or nylon and TPE, for example,but other combinations are also possible.

The optimal multi-layer process would be two layers: an inner one with aflexible material like LDPE and an outer one that gives a soft-touchsurface. This could be made on a standard machine with a special ‘head’,which is the part that gives the parison its shape. That head would havea small satellite extruder feeding the outside layer of about 20% of thetotal.

In addition to EBM and SBM processes there is injection blow molding(IBM) where the polymer is injection molded onto a core pin which isthen rotated to a blow molding station to be inflated and cooled. Thisis generally the least-used of the three blow molding processes, and istypically used to make small medical and single serve bottles. Theprocess is divided into three steps: injection, blowing and ejection.

The IBM machine utilizes an extruder barrel and screw assembly whichmelts the polymer which is then fed into a hot runner manifold where itis injected through nozzles into a heated cavity and core pin. Thecavity mold forms the external shape and is clamped around a core rodwhich forms the internal shape of the preform. Preform orientation ishorizontal and there is a parting line going along the entire body andneck. Horizontal orientation allows undercuts in the longitudinaldirection which is not possible with ISBM. This can be helpful to directmaterial in adult device areas with larger geometry. The preformconsists of a fully formed neck with a thick tube of polymer attached,which will form the body. The preform mold opens and the core rod isrotated and clamped into the hollow, chilled blow mold. The end of thecore rod opens and allows compressed air into the preform, whichinflates it to the finished article shape. After a cooling period, theblow mold opens and the core rod is rotated to the ejection position.The finished article is stripped off the core rod and as an option canbe leak-tested prior to packing.

Advantages of IBM include the ability to produce an injection moldedneck for accuracy. However, it only suits small capacity adult devicesas it is difficult to control the base centre during blowing, there isno increase in barrier strength as the material is not biaxiallystretched, and handles cannot be incorporated. Beneficially, EBM incomparison to other forms of blow molding, in addition to a lower toolcost, allows for the weight and wall thickness of the parts to bechanged without requiring a tool change. This is possible because thedie gap through which the material flows can be manipulated duringproduction. This allows tailoring of it to fit container geometry aswell as dialing in a specific weight and wall thickness. It is thereforepossible to use the same molds to make both a lightweight and highlyflexible part and a much more rigid, heavier part. Moving mold parts arecommon in EBM for industrial and automotive parts. Usually, they areactivated with hydraulic cylinders rather than the cams that are typicalfor injection molding. Moving mold parts, however, do increase the moldcosts considerably and accordingly it is normally an issue of how to laythe parting line during the design phase thereby avoiding any movingmold parts.

With respect to EBM then this process allows for the production of adultdevices in a wide variety of materials, including but not limited toHigh-Density PolyEthylene (HDPE), Low-Density PolyEthylene (LDPE),polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), BAREX®acrylonitrile-methyl acrylate copolymers, polyethylene terephthalate(P.E.T.), K Resin, polyethylene terephthalate glycol-modified(P.E.T.G.), Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS), acetal, acetates(such as EVOH), aliphatic polyamides (known as various forms of nylon),co-polyester, polycarbonates (PCs), silicones, and thermoplasticvulcanizates (TPVs).

IBM allows for the production of adult devices in a variety ofmaterials, including, but not limited to, HDPE, LDPE, PP, PVC, BAREX®,P.E.T., and polycarbonate. In respect to ISBM then in addition to P.E.T.a number of other materials have been stretch blown, including, but notlimited to, polypropylene, HDPE, polycarbonate, and various bio-resins.With time and technology evolution more materials will lend themselvesto stretch blow molding as their molecular structures are altered tosuit this process.

Alternatively, convoluted 3D injection molding allows the formation ofsingle piece-parts such as depicted in insert 610 comprising one or morehard plastic portions with one or more soft/elastomeric plasticportions. It would also be evident that embodiments of the invention inaddition to the materials described supra that biodegradable “plastics”such as corn plastic may be employed, wherein corm plastic is a kind ofpolylactide, or PLA, plastic. Polylactides are made from the resin ofcorn and other plants and in some jurisdictions such as the UnitedStates approved for use in food packaging, which as may be evident fromdescriptions in respect of FIG. 21, for example, allow biodegradablepolylactide based adult devices to further blur the boundary of adultdevice and food packaging.

By designing the parting line of a blow mold into the right axis itwould be possible to design a mold such, that for example so-calledrabbit or G-spot adult devices could be implemented using a single piecewith only a few design changes. This has the advantage that no seals arerequired for the part itself to make it water proof. Using a standardtwo-piece closure, which means a cap with a liner inside, then a batterycompartment may also be sealed cost-effectively. Large openings in EBMmanufacturing, those typically greater than 50 mm or so, are usuallyblown with a dome that is cut off afterwards. This is a standard processand wide-mouth cutters are ubiquitous. Accordingly, as part of themolding process battery compartments may be formed economically inaddition to features such as handles, threads, etc.

Twin sheet thermoforming is another process suitable to produce adultdevices. Within this process two plastic sheets are heatedsimultaneously and then fused together during the thermoforming process.They can also be filled with foam at that time. They could be ofdifferent color and have different geometries and/or wall thickness oneither side. A number of materials are available for this process,including, for example high impact polystyrene (HIPS), polyacrylonitrilebutadiene styrene (ABS), thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO), HDPE, PP,thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), and PET modified withcyclohexanedimethanol (PETG).

Insert molding is done in EBM manually and handles are inserted in moldsautomatically in the stretch blow molding (SBM) process. The latterrequires hooks that the material flows around to secure the insert.Manual insert molding can add cost to the part. However, it is possibleto mold a so-called “ship-in-a-bottle” part where a motor and otherparts, for example, are placed at the bottom of the mold and the parisonflows over them.

EBM may also be used for the blow molding of thermoplastic elastomers(TPEs) to form rubber-like articles or rubber-like elements of articles.TPEs are a class of copolymers or a physical mix of polymers, typicallya plastic and a rubber, which consist of materials with boththermoplastic and elastomeric properties. Classes of TPEs includestyrenic block copolymers, polyolefin blends, elastomeric alloys,thermoplastic polyurethanes, thermoplastic copolyester and thermoplasticpolyamides. As with other EBM materials such TPEs benefit from corelessflash free molding, ability to form complex shapes, exploit sequentialmaterial construction, and utilize multiple layers. Accordingly, singlelayer TPE EBM processing exploits one grade of thermoplastic rubberpellets to create a hollow part allowing small parts to be extrudedcontinuously in a single layer. Multi-layer parts are generally producedvia the intermittent or continuous extrusion of several materials. Theprocess is excellent for applications requiring multi-functionality suchas a barrier resin that cannot come in contact with the environment, ora combination of soft and hard materials using both rubbery and plasticproperties in different ways. Sequential parts are produced through thesuccessive extrusion of two or more materials, or differing grades ofone material.

For example, hard and soft grades of Santoprene™ rubber can be used whenmobility and sealing properties are needed in a single component.Alternatively, for example, a hard grade of Santoprene™ rubber can alsobe alternated with polypropylene for applications that need both localflexibility and stiffness. A major advantage of Santoprene™ rubber isits ability to be processed in virtually any color by blending the TPEpellets with the appropriate colorant or in some instances pre-coloredpellets are available from several sources. For stability, compatibilityand dispersion, solid color concentrates are typically a preferredmethod of coloring TPEs as they consist of a pigment compounded with acarrier resin and are dust-free, easy-to-use, and they can betumble-blended or accurately metered.

In addition to these techniques rotational molding, commonly referred toas rotomolding, is another process that may be applied to produce adultdevices according to embodiments of the invention. It is similar to theother blow molding processes in that it produces hollow containers.However, a rotomold is first filled with plastic in granular, powder, orliquid form. The shell-type mold is then closed and starts to rotate intwo axes at a slow speed while it is heated up at the same time. Theresin now adheres to the mold walls forming a solid layer in theprocess. The mold is then cooled, and the plastic solidifies while themold is still rotating. Rotation stops when the plastic is cool enough,so it won't deform when the mold is opened, and the part taken out.

Suitable resins are polyethylene, both standard and cross-linked,polypropylene, ethylene vinyl acetate, polycarbonate, elastomers,polyurethane, ethylene vinyl acetate, polyamide, and fluorocarbons. As aresult of the different process rotomolded parts do not suffer the sameundercut restrictions as other forms of blow molding. It is possible tomake items with very elaborate protuberances and parts that do notfeature weld lines. Molds are inexpensive and can be made in single ormultiple cavities.

Now referring to FIG. 7 there is depicted an adult device according toan embodiment of the invention comprising a blow molded (BM) body 710with screw-thread onto which is fitted cap 730. The inner hollow portionof BM body 710 as depicted has been filled with a fluid 720 such aswater, for example. Accordingly, a user may purchase an empty BM body710 with or without cap 730. In some embodiments of the invention thecap 730 and its matching thread on the BM body 710 are designed to becommon to a standard commodity item such as bottle of carbonated drinksuch that the cap 730 may be obtained from the commodity item for usewith the BM body 710 or may be replaced in the event of loss of such acap. Optionally, the BM body 710 may be sold as a container for a drinkand subsequently used with the drink as sold or after replacement withwater as an adult device. In some cultures, this may present a route tomarket that avoids the stigma potentially associated with the purchaseand/or use of an adult device. As discussed below the BM body 710 may bechosen to be coloured, white, black, transparent, tinted, etc. towards ademographic and likewise may be sold in multiple sizes with varyinglength and diameter.

In some embodiments of the invention the BM body 710 may contain amarker line such that when filled with water it may be safely frozenwithout the expanding water below approximately 4° C. rupturing the BMbody 710 or pushing the cap 730 off. Alternatively, it may be filledwith hot water, room temperature water, cold water, water from arefrigerator etc. Within other embodiments of the invention the fluidmay be other liquids, including, for example, alcoholic spirits,alcohol, a vegetable oil or oils, mineral oil or oils, a silicone orsilicones, and a synthetic oil or oils. Such options provide alternatechannels to market for simple dildo type adult devices at dimensionssuitable for use without necessarily being immediately evident as a sextoy. For example, a 1″ (25 mm) diameter by 6″ (150 mm) BM body holdsapproximately 75 cc³ or approximately 75 ml of fluid, which is more thana double shot of spirits (60 ml) sold in India. At 8″ (200 mm) thisvolume increases to approximately 100 m/of fluid.

Now referring to FIG. 8 there is depicted an adult device according toan embodiment of the invention comprising the blow molded (BM) body 710with screw-thread onto which is fitted cap 730 as depicted and describedsupra in respect of FIG. 7. The inner hollow portion of BM body 710 asdepicted has been filled with a fluid 720 such as water, for example.However, now within the BM body 710 there is now disposed a vibrator810, such as a so-called “egg” vibrator employing a wireless interfaceto provide remote control operations. Typically, liquids are notconsidered good acoustic media, but this is primarily when consideringsound penetration from an air interface. However, within a liquid suchas water sound propagation at supported frequencies is actually betterthan air. At frequencies defined by 1 Hz<<f<<20 kHz the attenuation ofwater is low, such that at 1 kHz it is 0.06 dB/km at T=20° C.

Accordingly, a user may purchase an empty BM body 710 with or withoutcap 730, fill it with water or another suitable fluid, and drop abullet/egg vibrator within and experience the effects of a vibratorwithout having to purchase a clearly phallic device. A discrete smallvibrator, e.g. a 50 mm by 15 mm diameter vibrator can be used to make a200 mm by 25 mm diameter with ease from an apparently consumable plasticcontainer and a simple fluid such as water. Referring to FIG. 9 there isdepicted a variant of FIG. 8 wherein a positioning bar 920 is disposedbetween the inner surface of the screw cap 730 and the vibrator 810 suchthat it is pushed against the end of the BM body 710. In this manner thepositioning bar 920 may limit movement of the vibrator 810 during themovement of the final assembly by the user. Optionally, the positioningbar 920 may support placement of a vibrator 810 at a position within theBM body 710 other than against the inner end surface.

Now referring to FIG. 10 there is depicted an adult device according toan embodiment of the invention comprising the blow molded (BM) body 710with screw-thread onto which is fitted cap 730 as depicted and describedsupra in respect of FIG. 7. The inner hollow portion of BM body 710 asdepicted has been filled with a foam 1010 after the vibrator 810 hasbeen placed within it. Examples of foam 1010 include, but are notlimited to, open cell polyurethane of the ester and ether based forms.

It would be evident to one skilled in the art that the foam 1010 mayexpand once inserted into the body of the adult device expanding one ormore collapsed regions of the body such that an initially smaller morediscreet body may be sold before being filled, expanded and employed asan adult device. In this instance the foam 1010 may provide a lighteradult device than in the instances that the BM body 710 is filled with aliquid such as described supra in respect of FIG. 8. Examples of suchfoams may include, but not be limited to, expanding foam insulation,expanding foam sealant, polyurethane based expanding foam, latex basedinsulation foam.

Now referring to FIG. 11A there is depicted an adult device according toan embodiment of the invention comprising the blow molded (BM) body 710with screw-thread onto which is fitted cap 1130 as depicted anddescribed supra in respect of FIG. 7. As with the adult device depictedin FIG. 7 the BM body 710 is filled with a fluid by the user or may bepre-filled at purchase with a fluid. However, cap 1130 is now part of avibrator assembly which also includes vibrator body 1120. Accordingly,the vibrator assembly may be purchased separately to the BM body 710 orpurchased initially with a BM body 710. However, the user may dispose ofthe BM body 710 and replace as frequently as they define and may, infact, as described supra purchase BM body 710 through a non-traditionaladult device sales channel. The user may also easily change BM body 710with a range of BM bodies 710 according to their preference or apreference of their partner.

Referring to FIG. 11B there is depicted an adult device according to anembodiment of the invention comprising the blow molded (BM) body 710with screw-thread onto which is fitted cap 1130 as depicted anddescribed supra in respect of FIG. 7. As with the adult device depictedin FIG. 10 the BM body 710 is filled with foam 1140 and the cap 1130 isnow part of a vibrator assembly which also includes vibrator body 1120.Accordingly, the vibrator assembly may be purchased separately to the BMbody 710 or purchased initially with a BM body 710. However, the usermay dispose of the BM body 710 and replace as frequently as they defineand may, in fact, as described supra purchase BM body 710 through anon-traditional adult device sales channel. The user may also easilychange BM body 710 with a range of BM bodies 710 according to theirpreference or a preference of their partner.

Within FIGS. 11A and 11B and other embodiments of the invention whereinan end of the vibrator assembly and/or vibrator body provides sealing tothe opening of the BM body then it would be evident that optionally thecontrol(s) and charging contact(s) of the active vibratory element maybe provided on the top surface of the sealing mechanism so that they areaccessible externally once the BM body and vibratory element have beencombined.

Now referring to FIG. 12A there is depicted an adult device according toan embodiment of the invention comprising the blow molded (BM) body 1210but now without screw-thread and absent the fitted cap. In this instancethe BM body 1210 has been pre-filled with foam 1220, such as describedsupra in respect of FIG. 10, wherein the BM body 1210 and foam 1220 havebeen designed to fit onto a vibrator 1230. Accordingly, a small compactvibrator 1230 may be turned into a large vibrating adult device throughits placement within the cavity at the end of the BM body 1210. Again, avariety of BM bodies 1210 may be sold as disposable/consumable elementsin conjunction with a vibrator 1230. Optionally the BM body 1210 maycomprise a threaded end and have a cap with a positioning bar such asdescribed and depicted in respect of FIG. 9 such that the cap andpositioning bar maintain a small vibrator in position within themodified BM body 1210 and in contact with the foam 1220.

Now referring to FIG. 12B there is depicted an adult device according toan embodiment of the invention comprising the blow molded (BM) body 1260with screw-thread. In this instance the BM body 1260 has been pre-filledwith foam 1220, such as described supra in respect of FIG. 12A, whereinthe BM body 1260 and foam 1220 have been designed/formed to fit onto avibrator 1250. Accordingly, a small compact vibrator 1250 may be turnedinto a large vibrating dildo through its placement within the cavity atthe end of the BM body 1260. Again, a variety of BM bodies 1260 may besold as disposable/consumable elements in conjunction with a vibrator1250.

Now referring to FIGS. 13 and 14 there are adult devices according toembodiments of the invention wherein the outer profile of the BM bodies1310 and 1410 have been formed with a series of rings 1320 and nubbies1420 respectively. Each maintains the cap 1330 and 1430 for filling withfluid for a dildo, filling with fluid and vibrator element for vibratingdildo/vibrator, etc. such as described supra in respect of FIGS. 7through 12 respectively.

FIG. 15 depicts an approach to modular adult devices according to anembodiment of the invention. Accordingly, there are depicted BM body1510, BM extender 1530, BM joint 1520, vibrator element 1540 and screwcap 1550. These may, for example, be purchased as discrete elements in asingle purchase, over multiple purchases, etc. or purchased as a set.Accordingly, the user may assemble, according to the elements they havepurchased a variety of adult devices including, for example, small dildo1500A, small vibrator 1500B, long vibrator 1500C, and doubled endeddildo 1500D. Accordingly, a user may purchase initially a vibratortogether with a container, not shown for clarity, comprising BM body1510 and screw cap 1550. Subsequently, they can add additional elements,replace different elements, dispose of elements etc. at low costallowing them to, in different circumstances explore dimensions of adultdevices to find what is comfortable or giving them best sensations,adjust the adult device to their current desire/need, adjust the toy totheir partner's desires/interest etc. In other embodiments of theinvention BM joint 1520 may be designed with a central deformable regionallowing the assembled toy to be flexed over a predetermined range ofangles allowing the adult device to conform to the user's body.

Now referring to FIG. 16 there is depicted an adult device according toan embodiment of the invention comprising the blow molded (BM) body 1610but without screw-thread and absent the fitted cap. In this instance theBM body 1610 has been pre-filled with foam 1620, such as described suprain respect of FIG. 10, wherein the BM body 1210 and foam 1220 have beendesigned to provide an opening of a minimum diameter and the foam 1220is compliant to allow insertion of objects larger than the minimumdiameter. The fit onto an inserted object is therefore akin to afriction coupling and to ease movement of the adult device a lubricatinglayer 1640 may be provided. Accordingly, the adult device as depicted inFIG. 16 allows a low cost BM based adult device to be used to providefrictional engagement to a male penis, for example. The lubricationlayer 1640 may be part of the adult device when purchased oralternatively applied to the adult device and/or penis prior to use suchas by a spray or manually. After use the adult device can be simplydisposed/thrown away due to its low cost. Optionally, the adult devicemay have a tapering BM body 1610 that narrows with distance offeringengagement to varying sized objects. Beneficially, such a tapering asdepicted in FIG. 16 allows a large number of adult devices 1650 to bestacked within a small space.

According to an embodiment of the invention adult device 1650 and/or BMbody 1610 with or without foam as well as other designs described suprain respect of FIGS. 4, 7-15, and 17-20 may be sold as discrete elementswithout filling fluid or other filler material. In these embodiments theBM adult device may be sold through other age restricted channels ofsale, e.g. tobacco and alcohol, rather than solely through adult stores.

Within embodiments of the invention the “empty” BM body may, as analternative/option to the essentially blank opening depicted in FIG. 16and the threaded opening depicted in many embodiments of the inventiondepicted FIGS. 4, 7-15, and 17-20, have a smooth shaped opening withincreased thickness around the lip of the opening. Such a thicker lipregion would provide for the option of the user adding a closing elementto allow the BM body to be filled and then sealed. Such a closingelement may, for example be a cork shaped tapering stopper or a parallelwalled stopper which may provide sealing by wedging into, locking into,or being a compression fit with the BM body. Alternatively, the openingmay be designed to receive snap fit lid or threaded cap. Optionally, alid/cap may contain active electronics which produce and/or control theprovisioning of at least one of an electrical, electromagnetic,vibration, temperature, texture, movement, and friction sensation to theuser. Optionally, the lid/cap may also contain one or more sensors forinternal use, controlling the device, and/or communications relating tosaid device to at least one of a remote controller, a PED, and theInternet, for example.

Referring to FIG. 17 there is depicted an adult device in external view1700 and cross-section 1750 according to an embodiment of the invention.As depicted the adult device comprises a blow molded (BM) body 1710 witha screw-thread. In this instance the BM body 1710 has been pre-filledwith foam 1720, such as described supra in respect of FIG. 12A, whereinthe BM body 1710 and foam 1720 have been designed/formed to fit onto avibrator 1250 having at its end a threaded section matching the screwthread on the BM body 1710. Accordingly, a small compact vibrator 1250may be turned into a large vibrating adult device through its placementwithin the cavity at the end of the BM body 1710. Again, a variety of BMbodies 1710 may be sold as disposable/consumable elements in conjunctionwith a vibrator 1250. Within the end of the BM body 1710 is a recess1260 such that the threaded portion of the BM body 1710 does not projectoutside the base of the BM body 1710 allowing the BM body 1710 to standunaided in either unassembled or assembled state. Accordingly, the BMbody 1710 may appear when unassembled to be a plastic ornament but canbe converted with ease by the user.

Optionally, in other embodiments of the invention the opening within thefoam 1720 may be designed to fit one or more vibrators, includingcompact vibrator 1750. For example, a vibrator may, when implemented intechnologies other than offset weights on a motor, resemble a pencil forexample such that the opening within foam is a long narrow opening. Inother embodiments of the invention the foam may fill the internal volumeof the BM body 1710 and be compressed when the vibrator is initiallyinserted into the BM body 1710.

Now referring to FIG. 18A there is depicted an assembly configurationand assembled adult device according to an embodiment of the invention.Accordingly, the assembly consists of BM body 1820, cap 1830, and frame1810 for use in conjunction with a vibrator 1840, such those commonlyreferred to as an egg or bullet. In use the user assembles the vibrator1840 into the frame 1810 before inserting it into the BM body 1820 andscrewing on the cap 1830. The result being assembled device 1850 whereinthe vibrator 1840 is now at the bottom of the BM body 1820 held inposition by the frame 1810 and retained through pressure applied by cap1830 via the frame 1810 which is dimensioned appropriately relative tothe length of the BM body 1820. The frame 1810 also by virtue of beingin contact with the vibrator 1840 and BM body 1820 couples themechanical vibrations of the vibrator 1840 to the user via the BM body1820. Optionally, the design/dimensions of frame 1810 may be varied tosuit a range of vibrators whilst within other embodiments the frame 1810may be double ended so that one end suits one sub-set of vibrators andthe other send a second sub-set of vibrators.

Now referring to FIGS. 18A and 18B there are depicted assemblyconfigurations and inserts for positioning a vibrating element within anadult device according to embodiments of the invention. Referring tofirst and second elements 1800A and 1800B in FIG. 18 representinginserts for insertion into a BM body such as described supra in respectof embodiments of the invention in FIGS. 7 to 18A respectively and belowin respect of FIGS. 19 and 20 respectively. As depicted first element1800A comprises a plurality of arms 1806B terminating in tips 1860Aattached to a central ring 1865A with opening 1865B. As depicted firstelement 1800A is one of range of designs for “flower-shaped” or “spider”inserts although it would be evident that other designs may be employedincluding those with varying design arms, varying tip designs, centralring, opening, thickness, etc. as well as choice of material for thefabrication of the insert. Within other embodiments of the invention theinsert may alternatively be a solid disk with flat surface, contouredsurface, convex surface, concave surface, etc.

As depicted in normal and during insertion cross-sections for firstelement 1800A show that it folds-up/collapses to a smaller cross-sectionallowing it to be inserted within a BM body through an opening whereinit expands and contacts the wall of the BM body such that vibrationsfrom a vibrator element fitted within the opening 1865B are coupled bythe first element 1800A to the outer wall of the BM body, see FIG. 18Cfor example. In order to adjust the characteristics of the insert thearms/disk of the first element 1800A may be designed with thin sectionsso that the first element 1800A has natural weak places to fold as it isinserted into the BM body.

The first element 1800A may lock into place by springing open onceinside the BM body such that the first element opens up to approximatelyninety degrees and held between the vibrator element and the wall of theBM body. Optionally, the first element 1800A may jam tight after beingpressed in over the center or just under center. In some embodiments ofthe invention the profile of the BM body walls may be such that theinsert engages within a ridge or trough, for example. In contrast secondinsert 1800B whilst engaging and restraining a vibrating element withina BM body and communicating the vibrations to the wall of the BM bodycomprises multiple members 1870 attached to first and second ends 1875Aand 1875B wherein the multiple members 1870 flatten for insertion andspring back open after insertion. In contrast to first element 1800A thesecond element 1800B can also provide retention and placement of thevibrator element relative to the distal end of the BM body from theopening within which it is inserted.

Now referring to FIG. 18C it can be seen in first to third assemblyimages 1800C to 1800E that a plurality of first inserts 1800A, e.g. 3,may be employed in a cascading fashion along the length of a vibratingelement, e.g. bullet vibrator, to improve the coupling of the vibrationsto the surface of the BM body and hence the surface of the adult device.Alternatively, multiple first elements 1800A may be formed as a singlepiece-part with connecting body elements or the number of first inserts1800A may be varied according to the vibrating element, e.g. 3 for abullet vibrator and 2 for an egg vibrator. Similarly, differentgeometries of the first element 1800A may be employed with a commonvibrating element or different vibrating elements or a single firstelement 1800A may be designed with ‘knock-outs” allowing the diameter ofthe opening 1865B to be varied by the user at deployment. In otherembodiments of the invention a tool may be employed to push the insert“home” to recesses in the BM body wall which may be provided with thefirst inserts 1800A or BM body 1800B or be a common household object,e.g. chop stick, knitting needle etc. inserted through the openingwithin the BM body.

Now referring to FIG. 18D it can be seen in first to third assemblyimages 1800F to 1800H that a plurality of second inserts 1800B, e.g. 2,may be employed in a cascading fashion along the length of a vibratingelement, e.g. bullet vibrator, to improve the coupling of the vibrationsto the surface of the BM body and hence the surface of the adult device,whilst also positioning the vibrating element within the BM body.Accordingly, as depicted in FIGS. 18C and 18D low cost vibrators may beimplemented using BM bodies in conjunction with retaining elements for avibrating element.

Referring to FIG. 19 there is depicted an assembly configurationcomprising concertina BM body 1920, cap 1910, and rod 1930. Accordingly,the user may select a rod 1930, e.g. a chop stick, branch, etc. or apurchased rod. The user then breaks, cuts, or trims as appropriate therod 1930 to a desired length wherein by inserting the trimmed rod 1930into the concertina BM body 1920, pushing it with the cap 1910 and thenscrewing the cap 1910 onto the concertina BM body 1920 he/she extendsthe concertina BM body 1920 to a desired length. Accordingly, dependingupon the design of the concertina BM body 1920 and the way the userextends it then all sections may extend together or only some sectionsmay be extended. It would be evident that the design approach of FIG. 19may be combined with that of FIG. 18 to provide a low cost and/ordisposable adult device design that supports user configuration forlength and vibration. Similarly, merging one or more of these designconcepts with a modular device concept such as depicted in FIG. 15allows for user configuration of each end of a double-ended adultdevice.

Now referring to FIG. 20 there is depicted an assembly configurationcomprising BM body 2020, cap 2030, and frame 2010. In use the userassembles the vibrator 2040 into the frame 2010 before inserting it intothe BM body 2020 and screwing on the cap 2030. The result beingassembled device 2050 wherein the vibrator 2040 is now at the top of theBM body 2020 held in position by the frame 2010 and retained throughpressure applied by cap 2030. Accordingly, the vibration from thevibrator 2040 is coupled to the bulge 2025 and the shell of BM body2020. In this embodiment the bulge 2025 may engage the clitoris whilstthe BM body 2020 penetrates.

Now referring to FIG. 21 depicts an adult device 2100 according to anembodiment of the invention exploiting an EBM body 2110 with crimpedends 2130. Within EBM body 2110 there is a vibrating element 2140 withinfiller 2120. As depicted in first and second cross-sections 2100A and2100B respectively the adult device 2100 may be circular or ellipticalin cross-section respectively, for example. The vibrating element 2140may, for example, incorporate a battery or this may be separatelydisposed within the EBM body 2110. In some embodiments of the inventionactivation of the vibrating element 2140 may be through pressure and/orvibration/shock being applied to the adult device 2100. Optionally, thefiller 2120 may be a fluid dispensed into the EBM body 2110 duringmanufacturing process that subsequently cures. Optionally, the filler2120 may be frozen for using the adult device 2100 in order to couplethe vibrations from the vibrating element 2140 to the wall of the EBMbody 2110 and therein to the user. It would be evident that the outersurface of the EBM body 2110 may be printed/patterned in a mannersimilar to or mimicking other commercial products such as beautyproducts, yoghurt, etc.

Optionally, an adult device 2100 may also be sold and/or given away aswhat is known as a “freezie”, also known as a freeze pop, ice-pole,icy-pole, or ice pop, which is typically a water-based frozen snack madeby freezing flavored liquid such as sugar water, fruit juice or puréeinside a plastic casing or tube, either round or flat. Accordingly, anadult device 2100 may be designed such that the EBM body 2110 iscompressible enough to get the frozen or semi-frozen filling out to eat,but stiff enough, that when filled with a frozen or thawed liquid,including the original contents for example, it can be used as an adulttoy. Optionally, the EBM body 2110 is thick enough that it may be leftempty or in other embodiments of the invention it may be gas filledafter consumption of its contents.

Optionally, within other embodiments of the invention the EBM body 2110may have a snap fit lid, screw cap, plastic zippers (e.g. Ziploc), orfold over. As noted supra the EBM body 2110 and therein adult device2100 may be sealed from the factory like a freezie which the user musttear open, but could still be used as a dildo, or the user can open itallowing the freezie shell, EBM body 2110, to subsequently receive astandard bullet vibrator available separately. Such designs may alsoexploit snap fit lids, screw caps, or plastic zippers for example.

Optionally, adult device 2100 may start as a balloon which is filledwith a fluid, sealed such as by tying a knot within the material formingthe opening to the balloon, and then frozen with or without a vibratingelement disposed within. Optionally, the adult device 2100 exploiting aballoon construction may exploit additional elements such as describedand depicted in respect of FIG. 23.

It would be evident that many embodiments of the invention, by providingBM bodies compatible with use as adult toys, have profiles at one end orboth ends that are generally incompatible with the BM bodyself-supporting within a retail environment or the user's residence, forexample. Accordingly, as depicted in FIG. 22 within the retailenvironment a base 2210 may be employed in conjunction with first tofourth BM bodies 2220 to 2250 respectively. The base 2210 may beprovided as part of the purchased product wherein it is removed by theuser prior to using the BM body as an adult device or alternatively itmay be provided as part of the retail display, for example. Optionally,the base 2210 may be designed to support the adult devices, as depictedby first to fourth BM bodies 2220 to 2250 respectively at the distal endfrom penetration and/or use and at the end with a sealing mechanism,e.g. threaded caps.

Now referring to FIG. 23 there is depicted a blow molding methodologyexploiting a non-uniform preform according to an embodiment of theinvention to provide an adult device comprising a shell with“strengthening” ribs. Referring to first structure 2300A a section of aninitial preform comprising a plurality of “ribbed” regions 2310 aredisposed on the inner surface of a shell 2320 is depicted prior to beingblow molded. The first structure 2300A corresponding to region 2350 inpreform 2300C. Subsequently, the first structure 2310 is blown leadingto second structure 2300B wherein the expanded shell 2340 now has anumber of ridges 2330 around the inner surface. Within first and secondstructures the “ribbed” regions 2310 and ridges 2330 are depicted ascircular elements for ease of depiction. However, it would be evidentthat these may have a variety of initial “widths” and “thicknesses”which in combination with the blow molding lead to ridges of apredetermined final geometry. Accordingly, a thin shell 2340 has“strengthening” ribs 2330. Within first and second structures 2300A and2300B the ribs 2310/ridges 2330 run longitudinally along the preform.

However, it would be evident that alternatively these may run around thesurface radially as a series of rings along the length of the preformand thence blow molded part or alternatively that they may be spiraledin a similar manner to a multi-start thread such that the multiplespirals are interleaved relative to one another such as depicted infourth structure 2300D wherein a five-start spiral is depicted withfirst to third spirals 2310A to 2310E respectively. Further as evidentin fifth and sixth structures 2300E and 2300F wherein the “ridges” areformed on the outer and inner surfaces of the shell based upon the localthickness of the preform varying and the geometry of the mold in the twoinstances. Optionally, the material employed for the adult devices asdepicted within FIG. 23 may be latex, rubber, or an elastic polymer suchthat when removed from the mold the second structure collapses to asmaller geometry but subsequently re-expands when the adult device isfilled with a fluid. Alternatively, the polymer may be sufficiently thinwhen blown that the adult device may be “collapsed” such as by applyinga negative pressure, external force, etc. to the structure which is thenreversed by filling the “collapsed” adult device to its “expanded” form.In these instances, the “ridges” and/or “ribs” engineered into the adultdevice provide added integrity and resilience to the structure whenfilled with the fluid. Optionally, embodiments of the invention asdescribed within FIG. 23 may be considered to be balloons through theelastic nature of the shell within which are disposed rigid orsemi-rigid structural elements.

Referring to FIG. 24 there are depicted blow molded adult devicegeometries according to embodiments of the invention similar to thosedescribed and depicted in respect of FIG. 4. Accordingly, a beveragecontainer 2410 is depicted with threaded portion 2420 to which a sealingcap, not depicted, would be attached when the beverage container 2410was purchased. In common with the designs in FIG. 4 in firstconfiguration 2400A a vibrator 2440 can be attached to the beveragecontainer 2410 but it's threaded section 2430 is designed to place thevibrator 2440 outside the beverage container 2410 such that now acompact vibrator 2440 can be held and/or manipulated in a manner ormanners common to larger dedicated adult devices either against orwithin regions of the user's anatomy or another user's anatomy by theuser.

Now referring to second configuration 2400B then there is similarlydepicted a beverage container 2410 is depicted with threaded portion2420 to which a sealing cap, not depicted, would be attached when thebeverage container 2410 was purchased. In common with the designs inFIG. 4 in first configuration 2400A a vibrator 2440 can be attached tothe beverage container 2440 but now it has first and second threadedsections 2430 and 2450 which are designed to place the vibrator 2440outside and inside the beverage container 2410 respectively.Accordingly, in common with first structure 2400A use of first threadedsection 2430 places the vibrator 2440 outside the beverage container2410 and then, in common with FIG. 4, the use of second threaded section2450 places the vibrator 2440 within the beverage container 2410.

Optionally, embodiments of the invention may be provided as acollapsible insert inside a BL body, e.g. bottle, so it can be tossed orrecycled or could receive a standard screw cap, snap fit etc. compatiblebullet. Optionally, the insert could be part of the BM body itself,molded inside as a pre- or over-mold or one step operation. Optionally,a bullet vibrator insert may include an optical source, e.g. LED(s), forclear and coloured BM/EBM bodies of adult devices.

Optionally, bullet vibrators or other vibrators compatible with use withBM/EBM bodies according to the embodiments of the invention may combineother technologies discretely or in combination to provide userstimulation. Such technologies may provide electrical stimulation,electromagnetic stimulation (e.g. infrared heat for example), vibration,temperature (heating or cooling for example), variable texture, adultdevice movement, adult device dimensional variations and/or geometryvariations, and friction. Active elements, including bullet vibratorsand vibrators, may further include control interfaces, interfaces toremote controls, sensors, etc. Optionally, multiple small activeelements, e.g. bullets or balls, may be employed wherein varyingcombinations provide varying effects to the user and/or the activeelements adjust/vary their function in dependence upon identifying otherlocally associated devices etc. For example, a user may employ threeactive elements to provide vibration, heat, and visual stimuli. Further,such non-traditional geometries may allow disguise etc. of the activeelements. As the active elements are now within an outer shell theirgeometry is now not defined by providing smooth surfaces for ease ofpenetration etc. Accordingly, active elements may be cubic, spherical,elliptical, polygonal, etc. and may stack, interlock, etc. Equally auser may employ a varying number of vibratory elements according tomood, activity, etc. Similarly, such active elements may be used withother adult device elements formed by manufacturing processes other thanthe blow molding techniques described supra in respect of embodiments ofthe invention.

Within the embodiments of the invention discussed supra the blow molded(BM) body may be clear, white, black, coloured, transparent, tinted,etc. according to demographics, marketing, etc. Once the adult devicehas been blow molded then it is possible to spray colour and otheradditives onto the BM part(s) although this may prove risky ordifficult. Typically, the BM parts should be flamed in order to getimproved adhesion of the coating which with the intended use of adultdevices there is potential for the coating to delaminate during use orwashing. Regarding washing, only PP and PC are dishwasher safe. Other BMmaterials should be hand-washed in warm water.

Within the embodiments of the invention described supra in respect ofFIGS. 7 to 21 the opening of the body of the adult device has beenprimarily considered as having a threaded opening, although FIG. 21 doesexploit crimped seals. However, it would be evident to one skilled inthe art that other designs of re-sealable opening including, but notlimited, to screw caps, cork stoppers, glass stoppers, snap on closuresthat fit onto lugs/rims on the top of the opening, recloseable clasps,sports caps that can be removed and replaced, friction fitting tops, andinterference fitting tops.

Adult devices may be manufactured clear with PETG, co-polyester, or PVCallowing compatibility with dual uses such as initial sale anddistribution as a consumable item and then subsequent use as an adultdevice. Alternatively, devices may be slightly opaque (i.e. milky), orfully coloured. It is also possible to manufacture BM parts withcoloured stripes in the vertical direction.

As noted supra some embodiments of the invention have foam filling theBM body part(s). Whilst today no machines are known by the inventors toexist that automatically add foam to blow molded parts machines forforming-filling-sealing are known wherein the blow molded parts arefilled with a liquid and crimped to avoid contamination. With some“foams” these may be dispensed as liquids that foam and harden oncedispensed.

Within embodiments of the invention exploiting blow molding processesthat have a phallic shape and/or a protrusion of some form it will becommon for a flash line to form along the axis where the protrudingpart(s) extend from. Such an artifact is common, for example, to EBMbottles and all parts will have it at the opposite end of the neck.Removal of such flash lines may be undertaken using flaming, typicallymanually. However, EBM molds open along the vertical axis and undercutswithin the vertical direction are possible allowing such flash lines tobe eliminated along the major axis of an adult device.

In respect of some forms of adult device such considerations adjustmanufacturing/design methodologies. For example, for clitoral vibratorsso that a parting line avoids any undercuts these may be blown upsidedown so that the opening allows room for a battery pack in a blow moldedvibrator or insertion of a vibrator as depicted in embodiments of theinvention supra. Considering other adult devices then:

-   -   Rabbit Vibrators: essentially same as clitoral vibrator but        would typically be one piece, rather than two;    -   Realistic Vibrators: wherein a primary issue is the design of        undercuts;    -   G Spot Vibrators: as with clitoral vibrators but wherein the        neck needs to be wide enough to allow insertion of the egg        vibrator/bullet vibrator etc. as described in embodiments of the        invention;    -   Traditional Vibrators: represent a relatively straight-forward        design for blow molding with access through neck for        electronics/battery insertion for example;    -   Bullet Vibrators: wherein for tapered designs these would need        to be molded with a neck protruding out that can be capped off        and used to insert any parts;    -   Anal Vibrators: essentially the same where even dual pleasure        ones can be made in one piece;    -   Dildos: essentially same but with more design freedom as there        is no opening for batteries/control circuit etc.;    -   Anal Toys: essentially same, wherein tapered designs, different        size beads etc. could be easily incorporated;    -   Nipple Toys: wherein elements may be blow molded;    -   Male Masturbators: provide difficult design issues but soft foam        filling may be employed to form the internal surface; and    -   Prostate Toys: may be blow molded by appropriate design changes.

Within embodiments of the invention described supra in respect of FIGS.3 to 20 and the specification adult devices have been describedexploiting blow molded bodies and/or piece parts. In order to blow mold,one requires a mold. Correct mold design is important for the success ofextrusion blow molding. Extrusion blow molds can be either machined orcast, as both processes produce similar physical characteristics. Theability of the cavity to conduct heat from the part is important.Extrusion blow molds can be made from cast aluminum, machined solidaluminum, or other good heat conducting alloys, such as copper bronzes.

Cast aluminum molds require that a model be built and are often usefulwhen a representation of the product is needed before the start of majormold construction. Cut or machined molds can be made from computer aideddesign (CAD) models and do not require the use of a physical model. Thechoice between cast and cut is generally based on performance needs.Cast aluminum molds are a little softer and less durable than theequivalent cut aluminum/alloy molds. For products with very low annualusage requirements or very large parts, a cast mold is often the bestoption. Cut or machined molds are typically more robust and can bemodified more easily than a cast mold.

Material grades for casting are typically unique to individual foundriesbut common grades of aluminum include 6061 and 7075. While ferrous andcopper alloys are usually not cast for the body of the mold, steel andcopper alloys can be inserted as pinch edges to improve a cast aluminummold's durability. With machined molds aluminum is the material ofchoice and 6061-T6 or 7075-T6 grades of aluminum are commonly used. Formolds that may see rigorous use or require durable pinch-off, a hardermaterial can be substituted or inserted. Materials commonly used forthis purpose include copper alloys or P-20 tool steel. Propermaintenance of ferrous alloys is required to avoid damage by oxidation.

For untextured molds a sandblasted finish is typically applied. Foraluminum molds, the use of a coarse grade of silica sand is adequate. Asandblasted finish is coarse enough to create surface venting, but notdeep enough to texturize the surface of the BM adult device. If atextured surface is desired, then coarser and deeper patterns within themold are reproduced during the BM process.

BM molds can also accommodate inserts but in order to do so requirereceptacles to hold and allow the insert to release during partejection. Inserts placed in a blow mold should allow the blown part torelease on removal from the mold. If this is not possible, a pneumaticslide mechanism may be used. Venting around the insert is generallynecessary to ensure consistent encapsulation. Inserts should be securelyplaced while the mold is closing. Typical inserts may include, mountingtabs, nuts, bolts, ports and tubes. These can be added to a part byplacing an insert into the mold and blowing a parison around it.Attachment to the part can be accomplished through mechanical, adhesiveor thermal weld. For mechanical attachment, inserts need a large basewith a design that allows for parison encapsulation are one option.

In some embodiments of the invention it may be appropriate to provide avisual effect to the adult device. In some instances, this may be togive a surface the appearance of another material, e.g. leather, wood,stipple, sand, etc. In other instances, it may be employed to give partsa more even, planned effect, or to get rid of a glossy appearance andchange it to a matte finish. This can add richness to a partsappearance, therefore making the adult device more marketable, giving ita perception of higher value and quality, or making its appearance matcha product that the adult device is seeking to masquerade as or initiallybe sold as. Surface finish may be also employed for other reasons,including, but not limited to:

-   -   include a company's logo or a pattern into the appearance of the        part;    -   to diffuse light on clear parts, such as serrations or frosting;    -   make clear parts appear translucent;    -   for visual contrast;—through the use of two different textures        on one part or by frosting;    -   hiding splay lines, flow lines, knit lines, blush marks, and        other molding flaws;    -   add part numbers, designs, instructions for consumers, etc.;    -   eliminating secondary processes such as hot stamping or label        application; and    -   improve tactile sensations.

Within devices according to embodiments of the invention the fluidwithin the device can be heated or cooled prior to filling the device inorder to provide additional sensations to the user during their use ofthe device. Optionally, by varying the thermal conductivity of the bodyof the device in different regions and/or by varying the thickness ofthe external device body etc. between the fluid and user's skin thedegree of hot or cold applied to the user's skin can be varied acrossthe surface of the device. In other embodiments dual fluidic chambersmay, optionally, provide hot and cold within the same device.

In terms of materials for the fabrication of the device a variety ofplastic materials can be employed as described supra in respect of theblow molded elements of an adult device in conjunction with the fluidsand/or foam for filling the internal volume of the body. However, itwould be evident that other materials may also be employed including,but not limited to, closed-cell foam, open-celled foam, polystyrene,expanded polystyrene, extruded polystyrene foam, polyurethane foam,phenolic foams, rubber, latex, jelly-rubber, silicone rubber,elastomers, stainless steel, Cyberskin and glass. Within embodiments ofthe invention the fluid may be a sexual lubricant or a household item,e.g. water, vegetable oil, mineral oil, or even beverage such as milk,juice, carbonated drink etc. In this manner a simple BM body with capmay be filled to form a solid dildo. The BM body may even be sourcedinitially in a manner appearing to be a consumable item for a household.Optionally, the BM body may be filled with a powder and/or paste such asflour, sugar, etc. Optionally, the BM body may be filled with a buildingmaterial such as silicone sealant (which will cure), sand, etc.Alternatively, the filling material within an adult device according toan embodiment of the invention may be a food, a beverage, a cleaningproduct, a lubricant, and a beauty product. In embodiments of theinvention the user may therefore fill an empty BM body with any suitablematerial to provide the desired characteristics. Alternatively, an emptyBM body may be filled/pressurized with a gas, e.g. air, from a smallhand pump or other pump, e.g. bicycle tire pump.

Optionally, in some embodiments of the invention the BM body may beinserted within a sheath such as one formed from an elastic materialexamples of which include rubber, latex, silicone rubber and anelastomer. Such a sheath may be a condom or prophylactic in order toprovide lubrication, additional chemical induced sensations, andphysical sensations through the geometry and profile of the surface ofthe prophylactic. In some embodiments of the invention the sheath may bepermanently applied to the outer surface of the BM body through one ormore manufacturing processes including, but not limited to, dip-coating,spray coating, and molding. It would also be evident that a single BMbody may be formed through manufacturing within a single process step asingle piece-part. Alternatively, multiple discrete BM bodies may becoupled together directly or via intermediate tubing through processessuch as thermal bonding, ultrasonic bonding, mechanical features,adhesives, etc. Alternatively, multiple discrete BM bodies may becoupled together by the user in order to provide a range of adultdevices from a single “kit” of parts. Accordingly, a single vibrator maybe inserted into different BM bodies as depicted in FIG. 15 discretelyor through combination with expander elements.

Whilst emphasis has been made to self-contained discrete devices itwould be evident that according to other embodiments of the inventionthat the device can be separated into multiple units, such as forexample a vibrator element coupled to an inserted BM body via a flexibleBM tube in order to either keep the vibrator element external to theuser's body or as part of a flexible portion of the body allowing useradjustment such as arc of a vaginal penetrative portion of a device.Optionally, it would also be evident that devices according toembodiments of the invention can be configured to be held during use;fitted to a harness; fitted via an attachment to a part of the user'sbody or another user's body, e.g., hand, thigh, or foot; or fitted via asuction cup or other mounting means to a physical object such as a wall,floor, or table.

Within embodiments of the invention with respect to devices and theelectronic control the descriptions supra in respect of the Figures havedescribed electrical power for vibrator elements as being derived frombatteries, either standard replaceable (consumable) designs such asalkaline, zinc-carbon, and lithium iron sulphide (LiFeS₂) types, orrechargeable designs such as nickel cadmium (NiCd or Nicad), nickelzinc, and nickel-metal hydride (NiMH). Typically, such batteries are AAAor AA although other battery formats including, but not limited to, C,D, and PP3. Accordingly, such devices would be self-contained withelectrical power source, controller, and remote interface which may bepump(s), valve(s) and actuator(s) all formed within the same body. Itwould be evident that fluidic pumps, electronic controller, and fluidicvalves are preferably low power, high efficiency designs whenconsidering battery driven operation although electrical mainconnections can ease such design limits. In instances of wired interfaceremote controls and electrical mains connections then the cap may befitted with an opening allowing the screw cap to be attached with thecable in a slot with rubber/elastomeric grommet/edge etc. in order toreduce fluid leakage in such instances.

However, alternate embodiments of devices can be configured in so-calledwand type constructions, see for example Hitachi Magic Wand within theprior art for example, wherein increased dimensions are typical butadditionally the device includes a power cord and is powered directlyfrom the electrical mains via a transformer. Optionally, a device can beconfigured with battery and electrical mains connections via a smallelectrical connector with a cord to a remote transformer and therein apower plug. Within embodiments of the invention to devices and theelectronic control the descriptions supra in respect of the Figures theelectrical control has been described as being within the device.However, optionally the controller can be remote to the device eitherconnected via an electrical cable or communicating via an indirect meanssuch as wireless communications for example. Additionally, theelectronic controller has been primarily described as providing controlsignals to the active element(s), of the device. However, in someembodiments of the invention the electronic controller can receiveinputs from sensors embedded within the device or external to thedevice. For example, a sensor can provide an output in dependence uponpressure applied to that portion of the device by the user, for examplefrom vaginal contractions or a hand squeeze, wherein the controller canadjust one or more aspects of the device.

Specific details are given in the above description to provide athorough understanding of the embodiments. However, it is understoodthat the embodiments can be practiced without these specific details.For example, circuits can be shown in block diagrams in order not toobscure the embodiments in unnecessary detail. In other instances,well-known circuits, processes, algorithms, structures, and techniquescan be shown without unnecessary detail in order to avoid obscuring theembodiments.

Implementation of the techniques, blocks, steps and means describedabove can be done in various ways. For example, these techniques,blocks, steps and means can be implemented in hardware, software, or acombination thereof. For a hardware implementation, the processing unitscan be implemented within one or more application specific integratedcircuits (ASICs), digital signal processors (DSPs), digital signalprocessing devices (DSPDs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), fieldprogrammable gate arrays (FPGAs), processors, controllers,micro-controllers, microprocessors, other electronic units designed toperform the functions described above and/or a combination thereof.

Also, it is noted that the embodiments can be described as a process,which is depicted as a flowchart, a flow diagram, a data flow diagram, astructure diagram, or a block diagram. Although a flowchart can describethe operations as a sequential process, many of the operations can beperformed in parallel or concurrently. In addition, the order of theoperations can be rearranged. A process is terminated when itsoperations are completed, but could have additional steps not includedin the figure. A process may correspond to a method, a function, aprocedure, a subroutine, a subprogram, etc. When a process correspondsto a function, its termination corresponds to a return of the functionto the calling function or the main function.

The foregoing disclosure of the embodiments of the present invention hasbeen presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is notintended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise formsdisclosed. Many variations and modifications of the embodimentsdescribed herein will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art inlight of the above disclosure.

Further, in describing representative embodiments of the presentinvention, the specification may have presented the method and/orprocess of the present invention as a particular sequence of steps.However, to the extent that the method or process does not rely on theparticular order of steps set forth herein, the method or process shouldnot be limited to the particular sequence of steps described. As one ofordinary skill in the art would appreciate, other sequences of steps maybe possible. Therefore, the particular order of the steps set forth inthe specification should not be construed as limitations on the claims.In addition, the claims directed to the method and/or process of thepresent invention should not be limited to the performance of theirsteps in the order written, and one skilled in the art can readilyappreciate that the sequences may be varied and still remain within thespirit and scope of the present invention.

What is claimed:
 1. A sexual stimulation device comprising: providing amolded outer body enclosing a predetermined region with a threadedportion defining a threaded opening allowing the predetermined region tobe filled with a fluid and reversibly sealed via a cover attached to thethreaded portion; and providing a body portion of a plurality of bodyportions for insertion into the molded outer body, each body portionhaving a first configuration mechanically engaging both an internalgeometry of the molded outer body and a vibrator element inserted intothe molded outer body through the threaded opening and a secondconfiguration allowing the body portion to be inserted through thethreaded opening; wherein the body portion of the plurality of bodyportions imparts mechanical vibration to the molded outer body from thevibrator element in the deployed configuration.
 2. The sexualstimulation device according to claim 1, wherein the body portioncomprises a solid disk with at least one of a flat surface, a contouredsurface, a convex surface and a concave surface.
 3. The sexualstimulation device according to claim 1, wherein the body portioncomprises: a central ring or a central opening; and a plurality ofradial arms, each arm of the plurality of radial arms has a design of aplurality of designs and a tip designs of a plurality of tip designs;and the plurality of radial arms fold-up or collapse in the secondconfiguration.
 4. The sexual stimulation device according to claim 3,wherein the plurality of radial arms are designed with thin sections toallow the plurality of radial arms to fold as it is inserted through thethreaded opening.
 5. The sexual stimulation device according to claim 1,wherein the body portion of the plurality of body portions and thevibrator element are each provided to a user of the sexual stimulationdevice separately from the molded outer body.
 6. The sexual stimulationdevice according to claim 1, wherein the body portion comprises an innerportion dimensioned to engage the vibrator element and an outer portioncomprising a series of radial elements; in the second configuration theseries of radial elements bend towards the inner portion allowing thebody portion to be inserted within the molded outer body through thethreaded opening; in the first configuration the series of radialelements flex outwards towards the inner geometry of the molded outerbody to engage the inner geometry of the molded outer body.
 7. Thesexual stimulation device according to claim 6, wherein at least one of:the inner portion defines a mechanical ring to which the series ofradial elements are attached; and the inner portion has an openingallowing a predetermined portion of the vibrator element to be insertedinto the opening.
 8. The sexual stimulation device according to claim 6,wherein at least one of: the series of radial elements are formed fromcompliant material; the series of radial elements are formed from arigid material and geometrically defined to allow their motion betweentheir positions in the first configuration and the second configuration;and the inner geometry of the molded outer body is larger than thethreaded opening.
 9. The sexual stimulation device according to claim 6,wherein each radial element of the series of radial elements comprises afirst portion which in the first configuration extends radially from theinner portion and a second portion disposed at the end of the firstportion distal to the inner portion; and the second portion is at apredetermined angle to the first portion such that the second portionengages along longitudinal portion of the inner geometry of the moldedouter body.
 10. The sexual stimulation device according to claim 1,wherein the body portion comprises: a first portion dimensioned toengage a first predetermined portion of the vibrator element; a secondportion dimensioned to engage a second predetermined portion of thevibrator element; and a third portion comprising one or more radialelements mechanically coupled to the first portion at a first end andthe second portion at a second distal end; in the second configurationthe one or more radial elements flex such that the body portion can beinserted within the molded outer body through the threaded opening; inthe first configuration the series of radial elements flex outwardstowards the inner geometry of the molded outer body to mechanicallyengage the inner geometry of the molded outer body; and in the firstconfiguration a spacing between the first portion and the second portionis less than in the second configuration.
 11. The sexual stimulationdevice according to claim 10, wherein at least one of: at least one ofthe first portion and the second portion defines a mechanical ring towhich the series of radial elements are attached; the first portion hasa first opening allowing the first predetermined portion of the vibratorelement to be inserted into the first opening; and the second portionhas a second opening allowing the second predetermined portion of thevibrator element to be inserted into the second opening.
 12. The sexualstimulation device according to claim 10, wherein at least one of: theone or more radial elements are formed from compliant material; the oneor more radial elements are formed from a rigid material andgeometrically defined to allow their motion between their positions inthe first configuration and the second configuration; and the innergeometry of the molded outer body is larger than the threaded opening.13. The sexual stimulation device according to claim 1, furthercomprising two or more body portions of the plurality of body portions.14. A sexual stimulation device comprising: providing a molded outerbody enclosing a predetermined region with a threaded portion defining athreaded opening allowing the predetermined region to be filled with afluid and reversibly sealed via a cover attached to the threadedportion; and providing a body portion for insertion into the moldedouter body.
 15. The sexual stimulation device according to claim 14,wherein the body portion mechanically engages a vibrator elementinserted into the molded outer body through the threaded opening; andthe body portion supports placement of the vibrator element at apredetermined position within the molded outer body and impartsmechanical vibration to the molded outer body from the vibrator element.16. The sexual stimulation device according to claim 15, wherein thebody portion comprises: a first portion to surround a predeterminedportion of the vibrator element; and a second portion mechanicallycoupled to the first portion; and the second portion mechanicallycouples to the lid when it is attached to the threaded portion; thefirst portion mechanically couples to an inner surface of the moldedouter body.
 17. The sexual stimulation device according to claim 14,wherein the first portion comprises a series of radial elements.
 18. Thesexual stimulation device according to claim 14, wherein the bodyportion comprises at least a rod; and the body portion mechanicallycouples to the lid when it is attached to the threaded portion; and thepredetermined position is a distal end of the molded outer body to thatwith the threaded opening.
 19. The sexual stimulation device accordingto claim 14, wherein in a first configuration of the molded outer bodyprior to insertion of the body portion the molded outer body has a firstpredetermined length; in a second configuration of the molded outer bodyafter insertion of the body portion the molded outer body has a secondpredetermined length; the second predetermined length is greater thanthe first predetermined length; and the increased second predeterminedlength is maintained by the mechanical contact of the body portion at afirst end of the molded outer body via mechanical contact with the lidwhen attached to threaded portion and a second distal end via mechanicalcontact with either a region of the inner geometry of the molded outerbody distal to the threaded opening or a vibrator element inserted intothe molded outer body through the threaded opening.
 20. The sexualstimulation device according to claim 19, wherein the body portion isinitially longer than the second predetermined length and is trimmed tothe second predetermined length by a user of the sexual stimulationdevice; and either a plurality of features within the molded outer bodyall extend together as the body portion is inserted into the moldedouter body or different subsets of the plurality of features within themolded outer body extend as the body portion is inserted into the moldedouter body; and the different subsets of the plurality of featureswithin the molded outer body are established in dependence upon thesecond predetermined length.